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    Sun Safety

    Skin cancer = #1 cancer in seniors.

    EWG Skin Deep

    FREE

    Rates sunscreens 1-10 for safety + effectiveness.

    Best safety check.

    WeatherKit (built-in iPhone)

    FREE

    Apple Weather app shows UV index. Plan accordingly.

    Best built-in.

    AccuWeather UV Index

    FREE

    Real-time UV with hourly forecast.

    Best UV forecast.

    Apple Watch UV

    FREE with watch

    Watch shows UV index throughout day.

    Best on watch.

    My Skin Track UV (La Roche)

    $60 device

    Tiny clip-on UV meter.

    Best wearable.

    Best sunscreens for seniors

    • Mineral / zinc-based — best for sensitive skin. EltaMD UV Clear, La Roche-Posay Mineral.
    • SPF 30+ daily — face. Even cloudy days.
    • SPF 50+ for full sun — pool, beach, golf.
    • Reapply every 2 hours.
    • 1 oz/full body — most people use too little.
    • Avoid expired sunscreen — replace every 2 years.

    Senior-specific cancer screening

    • Annual skin check by dermatologist (Medicare covered for at-risk).
    • Self-check monthly: ABCDE — Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter (over 6mm), Evolving.
    • Photo any new spots — track changes.
    • Most senior skin cancers caught early are curable.
    • Free skin checks — many dermatologists do during May (Skin Cancer Awareness).

    Smarter than sunscreen

    • Wide-brim hat (not baseball cap) — best protection.
    • UPF clothing — Sun Smart wear.
    • Avoid 10am-4pm sun.
    • Sunglasses with 100% UV.
    • Long sleeves on long outdoor days.
    • Check shadow rule: shadow shorter than you = strong UV.

    Vitamin D matters too

    Don't avoid sun completely — Vitamin D from sunlight is important. 10-15 min morning sunlight on face/arms 2-3x/week. Or Vitamin D supplement (1,000-2,000 IU/day common). Test annually with doctor.